In the New World and the Orient, the Ventures reigned over the instro world. In England and much of Europe, it was the Shadows. In Spain, only one band ruled the sixties instro scene... Los Relampagos (the Lightnings). After decades of obscurity, a new appreciation has risen among the surf community. Sirena Music and some of today's most widely respected instrumentalists have conspired to rerecord a slab of Los Relampagos faves. They were very fortunate to also have in their midst original keyboardist Pablo Herrero and guitarist Jose Luis Armenteros. This work is truly a labor of love, recorded in crystalline sound by outstanding musicians. Often soft and stunningly beautiful, this CD ranks as one of the most listenable in recent memory.

A beautiful slow, almost processional introduction belies the sparkling and fast paced power twang that is "Himno A Valencia." Just as you'd expect from the players, the shiny guitar and powerhouse drums and bass fully charge this fine tune. Adventurous and unassuming, it rolls and glides with an endless optimism.

The damped guitar plucking on this track makes the organ shine... infectious and quite pretty, this MOR-ish track promises a leisurely afternoon. The fine melody and beautiful tone reflect a time gone by. Amazing.

Numancia

Spanish Organ Rock (Instrumental)

A little on the pompous side, this processional in military time is both magical and interesting. The organ break is smooth, but it's the drama of the drums that hold this high on the list. Excellent.

Nic Farkas plays additional keyboards.

Macarena

Spanish Rock (Instrumental)

A dry and crunchy damped rhythm guitar plays well against the pristine lead. The Spanish melody and toreador scenery are stunning. This is both romantically emotional and nearly liquid, while retaining quite a crispy feel.

Jose Luis Armenteros (Los Relampagos) plays second lead guitar.

Cuando Cesa La Lluvia

Spanish Rock (Instrumental)

This slow and silky piece sports a lap steel sound in a nearly green fried tomatoes scene where the breezes blow warm and tropical and the pheromones gush unabated. Very pretty indeed.

A military beat supports a solid Euro guitar pouring out a beautiful and emotional melody. "El Tren De Las Tres Y Diez" is magnetic and stunningly pretty.

Mike Bucalo plays trumpet. Red Devecca plays bass.

Bailarina En Espana

Spanish Rock (Instrumental)

Right from the Victorian harpsichord, "Bailarina En Espana" is simply grand. Without airs, it portrays an elegant period now only a faded memory. Stunningly beautiful, with sparkling guitar and a near minuet style.

Jim Hammond plays harpsichord.

Cancion Espanola De El Nino Judio

Spanish Rock (Instrumental)

With gypsy influences and a sunny abandon, "Cancion Espanola De El Nino Judio" almost fluffy tune dances ever so lightly on a playground of innocence. Quite infectious.

Rio Perdido

Spanish Rock (Instrumental)

"Rio Perdido" shows a warm, almost swimming side of the band, with a spunky rhythm section and playful lead melody. Cool... animated... joyous.

Aster Nova

Spanish Rock (Instrumental)

Veering decidedly into MOR territory, "Aster Nova" paints pictures of a South Pacific scene and a distance between the pineapple breeze and family back in Indiana. Smooth and lush.

Spanish themes with swishy organ and playful emotional guitar. This is restrained, yet dramatic and rhythmic. Even a taste of the midway doesn't spoil the black laced view.

Arenas Movedizas

Surfish Surf (Instrumental)

Wow! This is a magnificent track! "Arenas Movedizas" vibrates and splashes, cuts back and shoots the curl again. This song sports a great melody, precise playing, and a hard driving rhythm. The drums... The bass... The surf guitar... damn fine track.

Nocturno

Surfish MOR (Instrumental)

Sultry slow mood music... yes, romantic and polished, dripping moonbeams and parfaits. You are for her eyes only as you stroll intertwined along the boulevard.

Relampagos

Surfish Organic (Instrumental)

A slow intro, but then an Agent Orange pace and a solid beat support a frenzied organ pumping out a fine sixties melody. Infectious and powerful.

This is a very spirited guitar instro with a fine rhythm and driving power. Totally infectious, utterly fun, and so perfectly played. Fiery and magnetic, "El Arlequin Del Toledo" is going to capture you.